Screen NSW is expanding its engagement with local creatives through the launch of Western Sydney Sessions, a new initiative aimed at fostering connections with screen and digital games practitioners in the region.
The program will provide face-to-face opportunities for attendees to engage with Screen NSW staff, gain insights into funding programs, and strengthen industry ties.
The sessions align with the NSW Screen & Digital Games Strategy, which prioritises accessibility and representation across the state’s screen and gaming sectors. The initiative supports the growth of a skilled workforce – both in creative and technical roles – while ensuring Western Sydney remains a key hub for screen and digital game development.
The first session took place on 28 February at Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE) in Parramatta, attended by head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth and investment managers. Sessions will continue monthly from March to May 2025, with plans to expand to other locations in Greater Western Sydney.
Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth
Hepworth praised the location saying: “NSW is the home for screen production in Australia and is home to many leading games studios. We know that there is a wealth of creative talent right around our state and the Western Sydney Sessions provide an opportunity for connection and mark an increase in our engagement with creatives who live outside the Sydney CBD.
“I hope our Western Sydney based creatives and companies find these sessions valuable and insightful, and I look forward to seeing creative activity in Western Sydney continue to thrive.”
Rotating screen NSW staff will cover funding streams, including production finance, digital games support, industry and audience development, and post-production opportunities.
Western Sydney has become a focal point for screen and digital content production, with recent projects filmed in the region including Critical Incident and House of Gods from Matchbox Pictures, as well as Watching You from Jungle Entertainment. Local game development is also growing, with Western Sydney-based independent studio Uppon Hill currently developing its upcoming game Insignia.
Pictured: Gabriel Faatau’uu-Satiu, Taofia Pelesasa and Kyas Hepworth, Head of Screen NSW, attend Screen NSW’s inaugural Western Sydney Session 2025